Dehradun: With single ministerial berth remaining vacant in Uttarakhand cabinet, the newly formed Progressive Democratic Front (PDF), an ally of the recently formed Congress government in the state, has striving hard to clinch it.

However, its hopes clinch the cabinet berth may take a hit, as the senior Congress leader and former leader of opposition Harak Singh Rawat, a staunch supporter of Harish Rawat, is strong contender for the post.

Three independents and a UKD-P legislator who have played a major role in the formation of Congress government in the state, joined hands for a new political front, PDF, to substantiate their weight in the new government in the state.

On March 20, leaders of the front raised the matter during the swearing –in- ceremony of the 10 ministers, but the issue remained inconclusive as their nominee Dinesh Dhanai was not inducted in the state cabinet.

Meanwhile, PDF leaders have been holding talks with each other about the issue.

“We have discussed the issue with MLA Mantri Prasad Naithani, we will also talk to CM regarding the matter after his return to Dehradun,” said Pritam Singh, a party leader.

However, Singh denied possibilities of Dinesh Dhanai pulling out his support from the government in case he is not inducted in the cabinet.